Gone Away ~ The journal of Clive Allen in America

Okay, Halloween
31/10/2005

In America, it is impossible not to notice that today is Halloween. Its symbols, the pumpkins, witches, ghouls and ghosts have been everywhere over the last few weeks and the stores are filled with special offers on Halloween candy. Last night I was required to create a jack o' lantern, while Larry worked on one of his masterpieces, intricately carved into another pumpkin. There is just no avoiding it; it's Halloween.

For some reason, Halloween died out in Britain long before my time. Every year there are attempts to reintroduce it by those who would profit most from the sale of costumes and candy and it does seem to have gained a little ground over the last few years. But, generally, the British are curiously resistant to it, perhaps because parents see it as just one more attempt to take their hard-earned money.

Here in America, Halloween is a big deal, rivaling Christmas for the title of top "festival for the kids". There is some controversy over it in Christian circles, many maintaining that it is pagan in origin and should be avoided therefore, but the great majority see it as just a fun time for children, remembering its joys from their own childhoods.

To me, the whole thing looks cultural, just as are all the other supposedly Christian festivals on the calendar. All tribes and nations develop special days on which they will celebrate one or another aspect of their history and culture; it's in our nature to do so. And I don't see that any cultural celebration has to be intrinsically evil or otherwise. They help to mark the passing seasons of the year, give us a chance to "let our hair down" and, perhaps, remember events from the past.

It seems to me that claiming any particular day as special to Christianity is missing the point. Every day is the Lord's and every day is special. We might even be detracting from this revelation by appointing certain dates as of particular significance. Oh, I know the arguments against this view, that such "holy days" help us to remember important events in our faith; my point is merely that I wonder why on earth we should need such reminding of the central facts of our belief. If we are in danger of forgetting that Jesus was born in a stable or that He died for our sins and rose again, I would think that something is wrong somewhere.

All of our supposedly Christian festivals contain aspects borrowed from paganism, with the possible exception of Halloween, strangely enough (read the pamphlet). Christmas is the pagan midwinter festival, hijacked by the early Christians who recognized the difficulty of weaning the populace from a feast day set in the midst of the hard times of winter; they renamed it, added some Christian symbols and everyone was happy. The Easter egg was donated by pagan spring revels (and I should imagine that the Easter bunny was an invention of commercial interests, although I can't be sure).

Does it matter? Any power that some once-pagan symbol has is entirely granted to it by ourselves. Of itself, it has as little significance as any other inanimate object. And surely our faith is stronger than any belief in the power of an object.

Ask people what Christmas means to them and you will get all sorts of different answers. Some will tell you that it's about giving, others that it's about the birth of Christ. For some it is a celebration of family and for others an opportunity to drink as much alcohol as they can stand. The truth is that it's all of those things, still a midwinter feast with some Christian additions. And everyone knows that Easter is really The Great Annual Chocolate Celebration.

In my humble opinion, it's all cultural. We have these festivals because we have a need for them. They divide our year and bind us together into community. That's all.

Yes, it's just my opinion and I would not seek to impose it on anyone else. It's always possible, perhaps even highly likely, that I am wrong. But it's the way I see things at the moment.

And so, what of Halloween? Interestingly, I have found several blogs that agree that its major importance is that everyone gets out and meets the neighbors. This might mean that I was close to the truth in my own conclusions on the subject when I wrote of my first American Halloween. And, if that is so, it actually helps hold America together.

Halloween seems to me like all the other festivals; it's a cultural event with no religious significance. Even though the hype still concentrates heavily on witches and ghouls, vampires and ghosts, in reality they are heavily outnumbered these days by Spidermen and Princesses, Buzz Lightyears and fairies. It has mutated into an opportunity for children to dress up and eat a lot of candy.

Like everything else, Halloween has become commercialized and we can bemoan that fact. But grounds for religious objection? I think not.

Clive

Broken MessengerIn my humble opinion, it's all cultural. We have these festivals because we have a need for them. They divide our year and bind us together into community. That's all.
Clive, I am going to give a reluctant nod here. I have mellowed out quite a bit over the past few years on the holiday that is Halloween. I do think the unnecessary comercialism that has taken place is disturbing (Christmas and most other holidays fall in here too), but most importantly, my concern today is over the rise of Wicca and of Halloween only hightening its interest. Wiccans celebrate Halloween as a religious one, and I see the festival turning from a kid's holiday to one that is more religious ritual in flavor particularly if we watch how society and the media are handling it today as opposed to 10 or 20 years ago.
Brad Date Added: 31/10/2005

Gone Away
I must admit that I haven't seen any sing of Halloween being taken over by Wiccans, Brad, but having been in the States for only a year, it's very likely that I've missed them. Even so, consider how Christians have been trying to "reclaim Christmas for Christ" for years and had very little success. It's just possible that the Wiccans might be defeated by a similar apathy on the part of the great majority. ;) Date Added: 31/10/2005

Yzabel
In a way, I don't think I've ever managed to really "grasp" Halloween. When I was a kid, we'd seen it in teens series imported from the USA, and itlooked fun, but only because it was about the 'trick or treat' thing and disguising as ghouls, witches and the likes. The meaning itself was completely lost. It's been years that regularly, some try to implant it in France, but it just doesn't work; if it has to become something national here, it'll be purely for the commercial aspect, period, and it's not ingrained in people's minds and culture, so fat chace that this happens. It's probably for the best, come to think of it. Date Added: 31/10/2005

Gone Away
Sounds as though the situation in France is much like it is in Britain then, Yzabel. I can't see it ever catching on, to be honest. Date Added: 31/10/2005

Orikinla Osinachi
What are we celebrating at Christmas?
What are we celebrating at Easter?
What are celebrating at Halloween?
You are what you manifest.
What did Jesus Christ say about what we manifest?
Should true Christians be celebrating witches and wizards and ghouls and other symbols and images of darkness and say we are having fun?
What we think is fun is not fun in the spiritual realm and to the Almighty God it is not fun?
Did Jesus Christ tell us to glorify God or the devil? Date Added: 31/10/2005

Ken
Yes, I find myself in agreement with Yzabel on this, in addition to which, it's freezing cold here tonight, "moonless and Bible-black", to quote that other poet, and it's raining, as it has been all day. Not an ideal night for going out! I do like pumpkin, though, in soup or pie or any of the other ways my wife recreates it as food. Do you think that the way Halloween is celebrated in America might have something to do with its proximity to Thanksgiving? Date Added: 31/10/2005

Gone Away
That's just my point, Orikinla - as Christians we celebrate the birth and sacrifice of Christ every day, not just on one day of the year. And Halloween is actually about remembering Christian martyrs, not devils and demons. We can waste our time in fighting to "reclaim" festivals that are not truly Christian in origin anyway, or we can get on with the real business of Christ which is demonstrating the love and power of God every day. Date Added: 31/10/2005

Gone Away
I think probably not, Ken, although it is true that there's a sudden rush of festivals at the end of the American year - Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The date for Halloween was set long long before America was even a gleam in Columbus' eye and Thanksgiving follows autumn when all the crops have been brought in. Just a coincidence, perhaps.

Pumpkin is wonderful in a pumpkin pie as made in America and even better cooked in the oven with plenty of sugar! ;) Date Added: 31/10/2005

Phish
Nice article. I completely agree. And what is more - if you have to explain to someone why they should object to any holiday, if you have to go back and explain centuries of history to them in order to elicit guilt, if you need to tell them what a Yule log really is, for instance, while they merely thought of it as a vague and colorful phrase in a Christmas carol, if you have to beat to death and destroy their innocence and conscience in order to convince them that what they were doing innocently is inherently evil... well chances are, they are not the ones that are displeasing God.

Let's face it. God is not glorified by people eating great mounds of chocolate and sweets whether it is on Halloween or Christmas or even at a church social. It's just candy, for crying out loud. Date Added: 01/11/2005

EnergyPaws
I once helped a stranger in Walmart (no, I don't work there.. I just know a lot about sewing) in the crafts department around Halloween.. she was looking to make a "Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors" costume for her Church Halloween Party.
Being the "good" pagan that I am.. it was all I could do to keep my chuckles to myself and help this lady find the (and I swear this is what it is called) Stitch Witchery.
Date Added: 01/11/2005

EnergyPaws
oh and by the way...
Wiccans might be defeated by a similar apathy on the part of the great majority
Wiccans don't actively convert or push religion on others.. there are a few who are annoyed at the "usurping" of Halloween but most of us (in my own experience) just smile, nod and have a great time.. and then start thinking about cranking up the yule log. Date Added: 01/11/2005

Gone Away
LOL at the Stitch Witchery, Paws (may I call you Paws - or should I "paws" for thought on that one? :D). Always good to meet a "good" pagan but beware - I'm one of those "sneak-up-on-you-when-you-least-expect-it" evangelists! Comes of being a chameleon... ;) Date Added: 01/11/2005

lisa
when i was a kid my parents were completely anti haloween, claiming i'd go to hell if i wanted to dress up.
these days, i am seeing that over-reacting is never the answer.
yes, haloween has pagan orgins, but so does christmas, and every other day of the year. even cats used to be worshiped.
i dont think anybody is going to hell for donning a costume. Date Added: 01/11/2005

Jeff
My wife has been against her son (my stepson) dressing up in costumes that would clearly offend God (like a warlock or the devil). I also wouldn't dress up like that. I guess we Christians could bring blessing to this holiday by passing out tracks, dressing up as angels, etc. It seems it's long been in the "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" mode. Well, what I mean is we can join in the celebration without donning similar accoutrements. Perhaps Halloween has been "denuded" of its impact as anything more than a cultural holiday, much like Christmas...er, I mean Winter Solstice. That Halloween is not as spiritual is a good thing. That Christmas is not as spiritual is not.
As for relegating the celebration of Christ's birth to 365 days a year, I disagree. We all celebrate birthdays as a day to note not only the fact we've matured another year, but to remember how things changed for friends and family of the celebrant when that child was born. Jesus' birth was an historical and spiritually life-changing event. Whatever the date it took place, hope sprang anew in that manger. I'll celebrate Christ in all His fulness during the rest of the year, but will rejoice in the fact that on one particular day in human history nearly 2000 years ago, Mary bore a child who would one day save His people from their sins. Date Added: 01/11/2005

Gone Away
A sensible attitude, I think, Lisa. God looks at the heart, not the costume. ;) Date Added: 01/11/2005

Gone Away
Fair enough, Jeff - I would never try to impose my views on Christmas on anyone. I know I'm a bit weird. But I like your idea of a Christian approach to Halloween. To provide an alternative way of dressing up without throwing a damper on the party seems to me an excellent way to go. Date Added: 01/11/2005

Jeff
No problem, Clive. And I wouldn't want you to hold back from expressing your opinions. I appreciate that you have the decency to agree and disagree based on sound thinking. Date Added: 01/11/2005

Halloween, a time of fun
For Americans, Halloween means many different things. To some, it is representation of pegan elements that are causing moral dacay in our society. To others is a Christian holiday in which we remember our dead and cleanse our houses of evil spirits. Though for the fast majority of Americans, its a holiday in which we are able let loose. We confront our fears, dress up in all kinds of outfits, and have fun in process. In the past this holiday was pride and joy that American Children enjoy. Yesterdays children have grown up and continue to enjoy Halloween. Date Added: 02/11/2005

Gone Away
That seems a pretty good summary of it, Frank. I write as an observer, trying to figure out what it all means... ;) Date Added: 02/11/2005

EnergyPaws
hehehe.. Paws for thought.. most folks call me EP.. (EP phone home?)... matters not to me...
I really am enjoying this conversation... one of the best conversations I ever had was with a Born Again Christian.. we discussed (and I do mean discussed) Spirit Guide/Angel..Miracle/Manifestation... it was really interesting...
I think that handing out tracts on Halloween is an interesting approach.. not one that I personally would find welcome, but I also get annoyed at munchkins ringing my doorbell all night long.. (I don't give out candy.. I disable my doorbell... I have bullmastiffs and the constant ringing makes them a bit bonkers)
Date Added: 02/11/2005

Beltane
What about the few of us who don't believe in any god whatsoever of any flavor?
We enjoy Halloween because it's fun, it's rooted in our culture (as you said GA) and there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with candy! :p Date Added: 02/11/2005

Gone Away
Okay, EP it is then! But you sound like a Halloween grouch - all those crazed bullmastiffs (wonderful breed, by the way) and no candy to reward the survivors. Tsk, tsk, you'll be giving witchery a bad name... ;) Date Added: 02/11/2005

This field is required
Clive,
You make a good point when you say "it's all cultural." Considering how much our Halloween borrows from British folklore, it is surprising that the Brits don't celebrate their own version of this holiday. Just think of the wonderful backdrops you have in your country--castles, moors, and wonderful old creaky houses--that would make for a pure night of horror.
Scot Date Added: 03/11/2005

Gone Away
It died out in Britain, Scot; why, I do not know. Probably something the Victorians decided to do (or not!). Date Added: 03/11/2005

EnergyPaws
nah, I love Halloween.. but two of my Bully's are puppies and I love the spritual side of Halloween.. the turning of the wheel.. the time of rest before the renewal of spring..
I dont' like kids who can't even be bothered to put on at least a mask from the dollar store before they hold me up in my own home for candy.
hmmm.. maybe I am a bit of a grinch.. LOL! Date Added: 04/11/2005

Gone Away
Spiritual? Oh, you really should read the pamphlet I mentioned in the post, EP. Just click on the link. Go on, I dare you! :D Date Added: 04/11/2005

EnergyPaws
Yeah, I've seen all this before.. I'm not a druid.. I'm a neo-pagan.. (I cannot belive that excluding the Neo bit is right .. how on EARTH are we to know what happened when "pagans roamed the earth".. ) so as a Neo-Pagan, yes it has a spiritual side for me.
Date Added: 09/11/2005

Janus
To each their own when it comes to the holidays. When I was a kid I never thought of Halloween as evil, it meant that I got to mooch candy from my neighbors and had to dress up (sometimes with 4 or 5 costumes to get even more candy.)
I never had an "Evil" costume, not because I was forbidden, but because I never really was into making costumes. (We make our own in my family..to hell with commericalism.)
So my parents would buy 10 dollars worth of candy and I would bring home about 40 dollars worth..hows that for coming out ahead.
I met my first non halloween practicing kid in the 4th grade, Cy. His Mother was a Jehovah's witness and was trying to save him from the flames of hell, but we saw Cy as a poor kid that wasn't allowed to trick or treat.
We tried to sneak him out, but his mom was onto that. So Instead we all went trick or treating and asked for an extra piece for our friend that wasn't allowed to.
Cy was so happy he could of cried, we got him about 2 bags of Candy which he could only eat at school so his mom never found out.
So does Halloween cause rebellion... at times, but I don't think a few Snicker's bars is going to send Cy on the bullet train to hell.
Date Added: 09/11/2005

Have your say

You may use HTML in comments. A carriage return is <br />, use two for a new paragraph. For bold text use <strong></strong> and for italic text use <em></em>. If you know what you're doing feel free to use more complex mark-up but please no deprecated tags or JavaScript.